Nothing says fall quite like the pumpkin. And while a Jack-O’Lantern is such fun, there are many other ways to use this fall staple. We’ve got you covered with some great ideas and with all the pumpkins you need. Stop by to grab a few today. Something special to note is that pumpkins are often an accepted donation at animal shelters when you are done.
Fall Parties: Serve your delicious fall meals in a carved out pumpkin. Pumpkin shells can become serving bowls. Impress your guests with a delicious pumpkin or squash soup or a special dip in a festive pumpkin bowl on your table. To prep your pumpkin, brush the insides and tops with vegetable oil and season as you prefer. Place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. What’s even better is that the pumpkin can still be composted when you are done entertaining.
Baking: Consider baking your pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. When cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin, separate and wash the seeds. Then place them on an oiled baking sheet and season, mixing them among the seasoning and oil. Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, garlic, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar and more. Bake at 300° for 45 minutes.
Arts & Crafts: Let your imagination go wild as you paint and decorate your pumpkins and go beyond the typical Jack-O’Lantern. Use fake flowers, glitter, sequins, leaves and so much more. Make it a kids’ event or grab some pumpkin beer, hard cider, or pumpkin cocktails and make it an adult get-together.
Pumpkin Ale: Pumpkin ale is a new fall favorite in recent years. Smaller baking pumpkins are recommended for this flavor adventure. If you are a homebrewer, consider adding pumpkin and spices to your favorite brew. You can use a stout, amber, porter, wheat or pale ale but experts recommend a beer with a less hoppy undertone. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice will liven up your ale. Since many varieties of beer can work with such additions, and your spice combinations are limitless, you can have some fun experimenting. Find the one that is the perfect flavor profile for you!
Pumpkin Cocktail: Pumpkin puree can be a tasty addition to your fall cocktail. Adding a small amount (about a tablespoon) to your favorite flavored vodka with ice and dashing on some cinnamon or ginger will give your cocktail a fun new twist. Pumpkin puree also can be added to a tasty kid-friendly mocktail/milkshake. Combine two scoops of vanilla ice cream with three tablespoons of pumpkin puree, a tablespoon of vanilla, and half cup of milk to your blender for a delicious “pumpkin pie in a glass” treat!
Refreshing Pumpkin Mask: Pumpkins offer so many vitamins for healthy skin. They include vitamins A, C, and E. Three teaspoons of brown sugar mixed with five teaspoons of pumpkin puree and a bit of milk makes a great exfoliator. Rejuvenate and refresh your skin with this tasty and healthy treat. Your skin will thank you!
Recipe Adventures: Consider exploring a new recipe. There are so many new ideas like pumpkin soup, pumpkin pudding, and pumpkin butter. It is a great time of year to try out something new!
Craft a Pumpkin Planter: Come visit us at Hewlynn to grab some annuals and use your pumpkin as a planter. It is a festive decoration that can also be easily planted when you are done. As the pumpkin decomposes, it adds a natural compost to fertilize your lawn. You can even do this with your spooky Jack-O’Lanterns. Simply fill your emptied pumpkin with potting soil (about a third of the way) and then add the flowers of your choice. Your porch will be a favorite in the neighborhood!
We have many wonderful pumpkins here for all your pumpkin needs. Let us help make your fall yard the “prettiest in the patch”.
